Troubleshooting
Hosta 'Color Festival' problems — and how to fix them
Hosta 'Color Festival' (Hosta 'Color Festival') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Reversion to plain blue foliage
Strongly-growing all-blue shoots may appear; remove these at the base promptly to maintain the variegated appearance.
Slug damage on variegated areas
The paler, thinner leaf areas are attractive to slugs; apply deterrents early in spring.
Bleaching in full sun
White leaf areas scorch quickly in direct sun; relocate to a shadier position if brown patches appear on the cream sections.
Inconsistent variegation
Some individual leaves may be nearly solid green or nearly all-white; this is natural and variation between leaves is characteristic.
Poor establishment after division
Variegated hostas sometimes establish more slowly than plain-leaved ones; keep well-watered for the first season after dividing.
Prevent hosta 'color festival' problems before they start
Most hosta 'color festival' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hosta 'Color Festival' problems — FAQ
Why is my hosta 'color festival' reversion to plain blue foliage?
Strongly-growing all-blue shoots may appear; remove these at the base promptly to maintain the variegated appearance.
Why is my hosta 'color festival' slug damage on variegated areas?
The paler, thinner leaf areas are attractive to slugs; apply deterrents early in spring.
Why is my hosta 'color festival' bleaching in full sun?
White leaf areas scorch quickly in direct sun; relocate to a shadier position if brown patches appear on the cream sections.
Why is my hosta 'color festival' inconsistent variegation?
Some individual leaves may be nearly solid green or nearly all-white; this is natural and variation between leaves is characteristic.
Why is my hosta 'color festival' poor establishment after division?
Variegated hostas sometimes establish more slowly than plain-leaved ones; keep well-watered for the first season after dividing.